Genesis 42:35

As they began emptying their sacks, there in each man's sack was his bag of silver! And when they and their father saw the bags of silver, they were dismayed.

Study Bible

As they emptied their sacks
The act of emptying their sacks signifies a moment of revelation and discovery. In the Hebrew context, the word for "sacks" (אַמְתַּחַת, 'amtachat) can also imply a container or vessel. This moment is symbolic of uncovering hidden truths or confronting past actions. The brothers are unknowingly participating in a divine plan orchestrated by Joseph, which is slowly being revealed to them. This act of emptying is a metaphor for the exposure of their guilt and the beginning of their journey towards repentance and reconciliation.

there in each man’s sack was his bag of silver!
The presence of the silver in each man's sack is a pivotal moment. Silver, in biblical times, was a common medium of exchange and a symbol of wealth and provision. The Hebrew word for silver (כֶּסֶף, keseph) also denotes longing or desire, which can be seen as a reflection of the brothers' internal struggles and desires. This unexpected discovery of silver is a test of their integrity and honesty, as well as a reminder of their previous betrayal of Joseph for silver. It serves as a divine setup to bring them face-to-face with their past sins.

And when they and their father saw the bags of silver
The collective witnessing of the silver by the brothers and their father, Jacob, emphasizes the communal aspect of the unfolding drama. The Hebrew word for "saw" (רָאָה, ra'ah) implies not just physical sight but also understanding and perception. This moment of seeing is crucial as it brings the family into a shared experience of shock and fear, highlighting the gravity of the situation. It also foreshadows the eventual revelation of Joseph's identity and the restoration of the family.

they were dismayed
The reaction of dismay (וַיִּירְאוּ, vayiru) is a powerful emotional response that encompasses fear, confusion, and anxiety. This Hebrew term often conveys a sense of awe or terror in the face of the divine. The brothers' dismay is not just about the immediate danger of being accused of theft but also a deeper, spiritual unease as they confront the consequences of their past actions. This moment of dismay is a catalyst for their eventual repentance and transformation, as they are forced to reckon with their guilt and seek redemption.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph's Brothers
The sons of Jacob who traveled to Egypt to buy grain during the famine. They are central to the unfolding drama of reconciliation and testing.

2. Jacob (Israel)
The patriarch of the family, who is deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of his sons and the survival of his family during the famine.

3. Egypt
The land where Joseph, now a powerful official, resides and where his brothers have come to buy grain.

4. The Silver
The money returned to the brothers' sacks, which causes confusion and fear, symbolizing the testing and the providence of God.

5. The Famine
A severe famine affecting the region, driving Jacob's family to seek sustenance in Egypt, setting the stage for God's plan of redemption and provision.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Trials
The unexpected return of the silver illustrates God's control over circumstances, reminding us that He works through trials to fulfill His purposes.

Fear and Faith
The brothers' fear upon discovering the silver challenges us to trust in God's provision and plan, even when situations seem dire or confusing.

Providence and Provision
Just as God provided for Jacob's family through Joseph, He provides for us in ways we may not immediately understand or recognize.

Reconciliation and Forgiveness
The unfolding account of Joseph and his brothers encourages us to seek reconciliation and extend forgiveness, reflecting God's grace in our relationships.

Testing and Growth
The brothers' experience serves as a reminder that God often uses tests to refine our character and deepen our faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the return of the silver in the brothers' sacks demonstrate God's sovereignty and provision in our own lives?

2. In what ways can fear hinder our faith, and how can we overcome it by trusting in God's plan?

3. How does the account of Joseph and his brothers encourage us to pursue reconciliation and forgiveness in our relationships?

4. What are some modern-day examples of how God provides for His people in unexpected ways?

5. How can we discern when God is using trials to test and grow our faith, and how should we respond?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The return of the silver in the brothers' sacks can be connected to the theme of God's providence and testing, as seen in the account of Abraham and Isaac, where God provides a ram in place of Isaac.

The fear and dismay of the brothers echo the fear of the Israelites when they first encounter God's power at Mount Sinai, highlighting the human response to divine intervention.

The theme of reconciliation and forgiveness is further explored in the parable of the Prodigal Son, where the father's forgiveness mirrors Joseph's eventual forgiveness of his brothers.